Patrociño Barela, Untitled, ca. 1935-1943, carved and stained pine, 21 5⁄8 x 44 1⁄4 x 1 3⁄4 in. (54.9 x 112.4 x 4.5 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, 1985.65.10
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Untitled
- Artist
- Date
- ca. 1935-1943
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 21 5⁄8 x 44 1⁄4 x 1 3⁄4 in. (54.9 x 112.4 x 4.5 cm.)
- Credit Line
- Transfer from the General Services Administration
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- carved and stained pine
- Subjects
- Object — written matter — map
- New Deal — Works Progress Administration, Federal Art Project — New Mexico
- Object Number
- 1985.65.10
Artwork Description
Patrociño Barela carved several relief sculptures for the Works Progress Administration during the 1930s and ‘40s. This piece was possibly inspired by Japanese involvement in the outbreak of World War II, especially the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Barela carved a rough map of Tokyo Bay, with writing to indicate areas such as “Government Embassy,” “hospital” and “factory district.” The “American Docks and Freight” suggests that Barela hoped American forces would soon invade and occupy Japanese territory.